THE LAST TIME OUT Despite outshooting Harvard 13-4 in the second half last Saturday, Columbia fell to the visiting Crimson, 2-0, at the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium. The only home loss of the season was marred by extensive physical play from both teams, leading to a total of 21 fouls and six cautions being issued.

SCOUTING COLUMBIA Columbia’s eight wins this season matched its 2011 total for the most victories in one season over the last 10 years. This season’s Lions’ offense has been among the best in recent years, ranking among the top-two in the Ivy League in shots (1st – 14.25/g), points (2nd – 4.62/g), goals (2nd – 25) and assists (2nd - 24).

The offensive charge has been led by a pair of seniors, David Najem and Will Stamatis, while first-year Andrew Tinari has established himself as a strong force for years to come as well. Najem ranks third in the Ancient Eight with 16 points, just one shy of the league lead, while Tinari is sixth with 13 and Stamatis is tied for seventh with 12.

SCOUTING CORNELL The Big Red stands at 7-5-4 overall and 1-4-1 in the Ivy League after downing Dartmouth last weekend. Cornell leading offensive threat has been senior defender Patrick Slogic, who enters Saturday’s matchup with eight points on three goals and two assists. Connor Goepel posted two points last weekend and is second with seven points on three goals and an assist.

In goal, Zach Zagorski has been the toughest netminder in the conference to score on, allowing a minute 0.65 goals against and has the second best save percentage at .816.

SERIES HISTORY Columbia and Cornell have met on the pitch 64 times since 1906 with the Lions holding a 32-21-11 advantage in the series. Each of the last four matches have been tightly contested, with the teams tying twice and Cornell capturing two one-goal wins, including a 1-0 victory last season in New York City.